Geoffrey Holder
Biography
Geoffrey Holder was a male actor of African descent born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. He stood at 200 centimeters tall and had a distinctive, heavily accented deep basso voice and hearty laugh. Holder appeared in a 1970s 7 Up soft drink advertising campaign as "uncola." He also played notable roles in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle and the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die, where he portrayed Baron Samedi. Holder's image became recognizable due to his appearance in the 7 Up campaign and his performances in film. He achieved a spike in popularity in the 1982 movie version, leading to the revival of the 7 Up advertising campaign.
Career overview
Geoffrey Holder was a Trinidadian actor known for his distinctive physical appearance and voice. He stood at 200 centimeters tall and had a deep basso voice with a heavily accented tone. Holder's image became recognizable after appearing in a 1970s advertising campaign for the 7 Up soft drink company.
Holder's acting credits include a role in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle, where he played the character William Shakespeare, also known as "Willy." He also appeared in the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die, where he played the role of Baron Samedi, a henchman of the main villain. Holder's popularity increased after he appeared in the 1982 movie version of a 7 Up advertising campaign, which was revived by the company in the early 1980s.
Holder's acting career spanned multiple decades and included numerous credits. He was a male actor from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and was known for his tall stature and distinctive voice. Holder passed away on October 5, 2014, at the age of 84.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
36 titles- The Magistical (2008) as Narrator
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) as Narrator (voice)
- Carmen & Geoffrey (2005) as Self
- Cyberchase (2002) as Master Pi (voice)
- Bear in the Big Blue House LIVE! - Surprise Party (2002) as Ray
- Goosed (1999) as Dr. Bowman
- Chance or Coincidence (1998) as Gerry
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997) as Ray the Sun
- Going, Going, Almost Gone! Animals in Danger (1995)
- Boomerang (1992) as Nelson
- Tropical Rainforest (1992) as Narrator
- Night of 100 Stars III (1990) as Self
- Ghost of a Chance (1987) as Johnson
- John Grin's Christmas (1986) as Ghost of Christmas Future
- Night of 100 Stars II (1985) as Self
- Alice in Wonderland (1983) as Cheshire Cat
- Annie (1982) as Punjab
- Lights! Camera! Annie! The Making of a Major Hollywood Musical (1982) as Self / Punjab
- All by Myself: The Eartha Kitt Story (1982) as Self
- The Gold Bug (1980) as Jupiter
- Swashbuckler (1976) as Cudjo
- The Noah (1975) as Friday
- Goggles! (1974) as (voice)
- Live and Let Die (1973) as Baron Samedi
- Live and Let Die (1973) Choreographer
- Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary (1973) as Self
- The Man Without a Country (1973) as Slave on Ship
- Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex *But Were Afraid to Ask (1972) as Sorcerer
- Great Performances (1971) as Cheshire Cat
- Krakatoa, East of Java (1969) as Sailor
- Doctor Dolittle (1967) as William Shakespeare X
- Androcles and the Lion (1967) as Lion
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- Aladdin (1958) as Genie
- DuPont Show of the Month (1957) as Genie
- Carib Gold (1956) as Voo Doo Dancer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Geoffrey Holder best known for?
Geoffrey Holder is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Cyberchase (2002), Dead Poets Society (1989), Boomerang (1992).
When and where was Geoffrey Holder born?
Geoffrey Holder was born on August 1, 1930 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. They passed away on October 5, 2014.
How many credits does Geoffrey Holder have?
Geoffrey Holder has accumulated over 36 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2008.
What is Geoffrey Holder's background in cinema and television?
Geoffrey Holder was a male actor of African descent born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. He stood at 200 centimeters tall and had a distinctive, heavily accented deep basso voice and hearty laugh. Holder appeared in a 1970s 7 Up soft drink advertising campaign as "uncola." He also played notable roles in the 1967 film Dr. ...
Geoffrey Holder by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Cyberchase (2002) as Master Pi (voice) — aged about 71
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997) as Ray the Sun — aged about 66
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 31
- DuPont Show of the Month (1957) as Genie — aged about 26
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) as Narrator (voice) — aged about 74
- Annie (1982) as Punjab — aged about 51
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